Maggi back on shelves, Nestle India plans phased roll out

Popular instant noodles Maggi is back on the shelves in select markets from today, five months after it was banned for allegedly containing lead beyond the permissible limit, with Nestle India preparing a staggered roll out except in eight states where it is still not allowed.
The company, which has suffered a damage of 70-85 million Swiss Francs (nearly Rs 530 crore) due to the ban, has also not ruled out a suit against food safety regulator, FSSAI.
Interacting with the media, Nestle India Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Narayanan said Maggi has been relaunched in 100 towns through 300-odd distributors and will be rolled out in many more areas in the coming days.

"We have relaunched Maggi into the market. We have been through arguably a very big crisis in the last couple of months. I am glad that we have been able to vindicate once again, the quality, safety and credentials as we reintroduce Maggi selectively..," he said.
Maggi had passed tests by three government-accredited laboratories, as ordered by the Bombay High Court which in August had lifted ban on the instant noodles that was imposed by food safety regulators.
It paved way for Nestle India to bring back Maggi in the market after it was banned in June by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) which stated that it was "unsafe and hazardous" for consumption due to presence of lead beyond permissible limits. The company withdrew the noodles brand from the market.

While Nestle India had challenged the orders by FSSAI and Maharashtra FDA in Bombay High Court, the government had also filed a class action suit against it seeking about Rs 640 crore in damages for alleged unfair trade practices, false labelling and misleading advertisements.
When asked if the company would file a suit against FSSAI to seek damages, Narayanan said: "At the moment, we are very clear that we would be focusing on building the brand and at any stage if there is any thinking, as of now there is no thinking, but if there is any thinking, we would let you know but today, there is no thinking.